§ 92.24

A. The purpose of the "H" historic preservation combining zone is:

1. To preserve historic sites and neighborhoods that represent important elements of Palm Springs' past or contribute to the community's identity or educational resources;

2. To enhance the visual character of Palm Springs by encouraging and regulating the compatibility of architectural styles within historic neighborhoods;

3. To identify and designate areas which have a significant concentration or continuity of sites, buildings or objects unified by past events or physical development;

4. To encourage restoration of historic buildings and neighborhoods throughout the city.

B. The "H" zone may be established only in conjunction (as an overlay symbol or by suffix symbol) with other zones and only with parcels or areas designated as official local historic sites or districts.

C. Uses shall be as provided in the underlying zone with which the "H" zone is combined. Any use which is listed as a conditional use is subject to the planning commission making all of the following findings:

1. The proposed use is compatible with the historic nature of the property and would require minimal alteration to the building or site; and

2. All proposed and/or required alterations would not alter the historic significance of the building or site.

D. Development standards, which may differ from those of the underlying zone, shall be determined by the plans and reports approved as part of the historic preservation combining zone district establishment. Structures within the "H" historic preservation combining zone shall be considered legally conforming while the property is so zoned. Upon removal of the "H" zone designation, subject structures shall revert to the status as existed prior to receipt of the combining zone district designation to the extent that there was any intervening change in law or ordinance, exclusive of historic preservation combining zone district zoning or re-zoning, changing such status.

E.

1. To the extent required by each individual "H" zone district, each applicant for any permit which would authorize new construction, demolition or exterior alterations, additions or modifications of any building, structure or part thereof, signs or any person or firm intending to paint or repaint the exterior of any building or any sign, or any sign or any portion thereof shall first submit the appropriate application thereof for review, subject to the procedures as set forth in Section 94.04.00, except that the historic site preservation board shall review such application and submit its recommendation to the planning commission prior to commission action.

2. In reviewing any project within an "H" district, the historic site preservation board and the planning commission shall consider its relationship to nearby buildings and the general character of the district.

F. Building materials and construction in "H" districts shall conform to the applicable city codes in force, except that the provisions of the State Historical Building Code shall prevail.

(Ord. 1294, 1988)